History of RS-28 Sarmat in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 13, 2026

The RS-28 Sarmat, often referred to as Satan II, is a Russian three-stage, silo-based, liquid-fueled, super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau. Capable of carrying Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV) and utilizing Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS), it is designed to replace the aging Soviet R-36M ICBM in Russia's strategic arsenal, enhancing its nuclear capabilities.

1991: Development of the Mozyr system ceased

According to Russian state media sources, RS-28's launch sites were to be equipped with the "Mozyr" active protection system, however development of the Mozyr system ceased in 1991.

2007: Information about the Sarmat missile leaked to the U.S.

Shortly after Putin's announcement in March 2018, an anonymous military source was cited as saying that the 2007 information about the RS-28 Sarmat missile had been leaked to the U.S. deliberately.

February 2014: Sarmat expected to be ready for deployment around 2020

In February 2014, a Russian military official announced the Sarmat was expected to be ready for deployment around 2020.

May 2014: Program accelerated, potentially 100% of Russia's land-based nuclear arsenal by 2021

In May 2014, another official source suggested that the Sarmat program was being accelerated, and that it would constitute up to 100 percent of Russia's fixed land-based nuclear arsenal by 2021.

June 2015: Production schedule for Sarmat prototype slipping

In late June 2015, it was reported that the production schedule for the first prototype of the RS-28 Sarmat was slipping.

August 2016: Russia successfully tested the RS-28's first-stage engine named PDU-99

On August 10, 2016, Russia successfully tested the RS-28's first-stage engine named PDU-99.

2016: RS-28 Sarmat expected to become operational

In 2016, the RS-28 Sarmat was expected to become operational.

December 2017: First successful launch test of the missile

In late December 2017, the first successful launch test of the missile was carried out at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Arkhangelsk Oblast. The missile flew several dozen kilometers and fell within the test range.

2017: Prototype missiles built, test program delayed

In early 2017, prototype missiles had been reportedly built and delivered to Plesetsk Cosmodrome for trials, but the test program was delayed to re-check key hardware components before initial launch.

March 2018: Putin unveils Sarmat as one of six new Russian strategic weapons

In March 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled the RS-28 Sarmat as one of six new Russian strategic weapons.

March 2018: Putin announces "active phase of tests" for Sarmat

On March 1, 2018, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that "the active phase of tests" of the RS-28 Sarmat missile had begun.

December 2019: Sarmat capable of 35,000 km sub-orbital flight

On December 24, 2019, it was reported that the RS-28 Sarmat is capable of a "35,000 km (22,000 mi) sub-orbital flight".

2020: Twenty missile regiments planned to be rearmed

During the 2020–2027 period, "twenty missile regiments are planned to be rearmed with the RS-28".

2021: Trials of missile complex expected to be completed

In December 2019, it was reported that the trials of the "missile complex" were expected to be completed in 2021.

April 2022: RS-28 Sarmat first test flight

In April 2022, the RS-28 Sarmat made its first test flight.

April 2022: Russian Defense Ministry Announces RS-28 Sarmat Test

On April 20, 2022, according to the Russian Defense Ministry, a test was conducted.

August 2022: State contract signed for Sarmat strategic missile system manufacture

In August 2022, a state contract was signed for the manufacture and supply of the Sarmat strategic missile system.

February 2023: RS-28 missile test conducted, US claims unsuccessful

On February 18, 2023, a test of the RS-28 missile was conducted by the Russian Federation; the US claimed that this test was unsuccessful, but this has not been confirmed or denied by the Russian government.

September 2023: RS-28 Sarmat enters operational service

In September 2023, the RS-28 Sarmat officially entered operational service as the world's longest range and most powerful extant ICBM system.

September 2023: RS-28 Sarmat placed on official combat duty

On September 1, 2023, Roscosmos Director General Yuri Borisov said the RS-28 Sarmat weapon system had been placed on official combat duty.

September 2024: Previous launch facility destruction

Analysts largely believe the video from November 2025 to be another test launch of an RS-28 Sarmat, citing renovations that suggest the launch site was being rebuilt for testing the RS-28 Sarmat after the destruction of the previous launch facility in September 2024.

September 2024: RS-28 test at Plesetsk Cosmodrome failed

On September 22, 2024, defense related media reported that an RS-28 test at Plesetsk Cosmodrome had failed.

November 2025: Video shows missile deviating from course, crashing

On November 28, 2025, a video was posted showing a missile deviating from its course after launch before cartwheeling around, losing thrust and slamming into the ground a short distance from the launch site in Dombarovsky near Yasny, Orenburg Oblast. Analysts largely believe this to be another test launch of an RS-28 Sarmat.